SAN FRANCISCO (June 5, 2005) -- Leaders of cities from around the globe took the historic step of signing the Urban Environmental Accords on Sunday in the rotunda of San Francisco City Hall in recognition of United Nations World Environment Day 2005.

World Environment Day is a project of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Since its inception in 1972, World Environment Day has given a human face to environmental issues, and promoted an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes about the environment.

United Nations Environment Program Executive Director Klaus Toepfer and U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi, the House Minority Leader, participated in the signing ceremonies. After signing the Accords, the mayors walked down the steps of City Hall to hear a 500-person gospel choir, conducted by four-time Grammy winner Edwin Hawkins, perform a specially composed song called “United Nations, Together We Can.”

The conference began June 1 when California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, flanked by the participating mayors, signed an Environmental Action Plan to reduce the state’s emissions of greenhouse gases. Surrounding World Environment Day, more than 300 community events and activities took place throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, such as an eco-chic fashion show, a children’s painting award, a film festival, panels, workshops, and rides in fuel cell cars.

The week culminated with the momentous signing of the Accords, which were strongly informed by the participation of our NGO partners. Altogether, leaders from 50 cities signed, pledging their commitment to eco-friendly urban development.